Review of James Patterson’s Writing Masterclass

Recently I was approached by the people from Masterclass, a brand new online learning hub which features courses in different areas of the arts and sport, taught by world-famous masters of their craft–such as Dustin Hoffman for acting, Serena Williams for tennis–and James Patterson for writing. Masterclass asked if, as an experienced author, I’d be interested in checking out the course and seeing what I thought. I did some research, discovering Masterclass to be a start-up based in San Francisco that had debuted in May this year and that it was themed around the concept that some masters in their field are also great teachers, and love to impart the knowledge and experience they’ve gained. I liked the idea and was also, I admit, curious to hear what the world’s highest-selling author had to say about his ways of working, so using the gift code provided, (the whole course costs $90 US normally, which seems very reasonable considering what you get) I set up my account, logged in and began exploring.

First of all, I want to write about how the course is structured, and then move to a discussion of whether it works, and for whom. There are four parts to the course: firstly a series of 22 videos in which James Patterson talks about different aspects of the craft of creating fiction: raw ideas; plot; creating characters; successful outlines; research; writing dialogue; building chapters, how to write good endings, editing, and much more, through to post-creation issues such as titles, marketing–and of course getting published! There are also a few more personal themed-videos: one where the author recounts his own personal journey to publication and success; one where he rather amusingly recounts his brushes with Hollywood; and one on the experience of working with co-authors. The videos vary in length between 3 and 14 minutes, depending on the complexity of the theme, and all of them feature James Patterson talking directly to the camera, in a chatty, conversational style, truffled with anecdotes, examples, tips and pithy sayings (a favourite of mine: Passion and habit are key to a successful writing career). Secondly, there is a 72 page downloadable and printable workbook which is designed to complement and expand the videos, recapping on each theme, and providing practical exercises for students to complete on their own. The workbooks come in two versions: one which includes the very comprehensive outline Patterson wrote for his novel Honeymoon (which can be used in assignments) and one without the Honeymoon outline. Thirdly, there is a section called ‘Office Hours’ where the author answers questions video-recorded or written in by students (of course these are selected as otherwise it would be all too easy to become overwhelmed). Within this section also is a series of video critiques by Patterson looking at selected class assignments and how students have handled them–for example, he looks at a whole lot of potential book titles that have been sent in, and says whether he thinks they work, and why they do or don’t. Finally, there is a discussion facility on each theme, where students can interact with each other based initially on a moderator’s discussion question (he’s called a ‘community builder’ on the site) and exchange ideas, opinions and experiences.

So all in all, a very comprehensive structure. It’s well-thought out, very well presented and produced, easy to access and streamlined to work through. James Patterson has a direct, lively and unpretentious manner on camera which is very engaging, both in the main videos and in the critique snippets, and he’s generous with his practical tips and advice. As well, the workbook is thorough and has plenty of interesting exercises, and it’s also easy to download and print. As a self-directed course, it is worked through at your own pace, and it’s clear from the discussion boards that students have approached it in different ways, with the majority watching each video one at a time, and working on each associated exercise one at a time, while a few others report watching the whole series of videos right through, then going back and working through each individually. It’s also clear from the discussion groups and comments that it is mainly unpublished, aspiring writers who are taking the course–which of course is not a surprise–and the atmosphere seems friendly and collegial. As you might also expect, given the fact this is a very new course, there are lots more comments on the earlier videos than on the later ones.

So, that’s how the Masterclass is structured. Now,to the issue of whether it works as a creative writing course.

A few years ago, in a writing class I ran, a student asked me to give her my ‘formula’ for writing publishable novels, and when I told her there was no such thing, she was most put out, saying, ‘I suppose it’s got to stay a secret for you published authors, doesn’t it?’ Nothing I could say could convince her otherwise. Well, that little story is relevant to this–if you think that after taking this course, you are going to be a best-selling writer like James Patterson, that he has some ‘secret formula’ he is going to let slip, then you are going to be disappointed. Never does he say anything approaching the notion that ‘if you write like me, you too will have a bestseller’ (and he does not imply at all that there is only one way to write a novel, incidentally) This is certainly not a training module on how to be a megastar author! One of the interesting things, for me, about listening to Patterson’s videos is just how similar his advice and tips on craft are to the kinds of things I tell participants in my own writing workshops. His observations on marketing, book titles and covers have the added advantage that before he became a full-time writer, he worked in an ad agency–but even so, many writers have done that and not risen to such bestseller heights. Seems to me that at least the reason for his first big hit is as much a mystery to him as to anyone else. Anyway, no-one, however skilled, can actually teach you to write books guaranteed to be publishable, let alone big sellers. But the right presenter can show you the building blocks of good writing. They can show you the ways in which your spark of inspiration can grow into something real. They can teach you to be both more realistic and paradoxically, more ambitious. And they can give you new ways of looking at things, inspiring you by their passion for the craft, and the practical and imaginative tips that can help you build on the strengths you already have and build your confidence as a new writer. And the contact with the real live experience of writers only previously met through giant gold embossed titles on their books can also be a major boost. When those writers are as practical and down to earth as James Patterson, that is an added bonus.

So if it doesn’t attempt to bottle that Patterson gold for eager treasure-hunters, what does the course aim for, and what does it do for writers of different skill levels? The aim, I think, is quite simply the same as with any creative writing course: to upskill, inform and inspire. And for aspiring and emerging authors, I think it works well. The advice and tips presented in the videos work in real life (though I never do as detailed and comprehensive an outline as Patterson does, and never will, I know it works for many people). The craft discussions are interesting, as are the personal experience stories. Only one video for me did not feel like it really ‘hit the spot’–the one on working with a co-author, which as well as Patterson, features grabs of interviews with two of his co-authors, Maxine Paetro and Chris Grabenstein. Of course, co-author arrangements are not unknown in the publishing world, particularly in series, but mostly these are partnerships of equals, such as the husband and wife team who are collectively thriller writer ‘Nicci French’. This isn’t exactly the case here–which is not to say there’s anything wrong with it, it just means it’s too far outside most people’s potential experience to be really useful in a writing course. (And I must say that the discussion threads on this theme bear out my point). However,if you see it as a sidelight glimpse into Patterson’s methods, his way of extending the genres he works with, and a look at what it’s like to work with such a big name–it is interesting enough in itself. Plus both co-authors appear to have had a good time!

The workbook material is well-thought out, with a suggested viewing schedule, lots of ideas for extra writing tips and tricks, recaps in bullet point form of themes in each video, space for notes, and lots of mini-assignments which are varied and fun to do. (There’s also a screen-based exercise on editing which I found quite illuminating.) Meanwhile the ‘Office Hours’ videos give useful insights and concrete examples of critique, and the discussion boards enable people to express their opinions and share their own methods with fellow students.

When we move from the aspiring author to the published author, the value of this course really depends on how experienced that person is. Some of the comments on the discussion boards certainly did feature observations by writers who’d published more than one book (but mostly self-published). And of course you can always learn more. But for writers experienced in the mainstream publishing world, the course does not really give any information we don’t already know. However, I’ve always found the way other writers work fascinating, and that is certainly the case here. It felt a bit like listening to an ‘In Conversation’ presentation at a literary festival, but aimed squarely at writers, not readers. It’s very much about talking shop; and most writers enjoy that. As I mentioned before, Patterson makes many interesting observations on craft: for instance, dialogue is important because it clearly displays the interactions between your characters; know your genre, not so you can imitate what’s been done, but so you can avoid imitating; choosing point of view (whether first or third person)depends on whose point of view makes a scene the most interesting. And ‘take that cup of joy’–as he puts it in the Getting Published video–enjoy your writing victories, no matter how small, don’t obsess about the negatives. Of course the comeback might be that it’s easy for him to say, given the fact of his immense success and fortune, but it’s good advice for any writer, and in my own opinion may in fact be one of the most important elements in building a publishing career of any staying power.

How does the online experience compare with face to face? Clearly, face to face has many advantages, including the pleasure of working with like-minded people in real time and space, and the excitement that’s generated when a prepared theme veers into unexpected discussions that, for both tutor and students, shed new light on the matter. But to be realistic, very few people are ever going to have a face-to-face workshop series with high-profile authors like James Patterson; and if they did, would have to pay a great deal for the privilege. This is a way of democratising and globalising the process, so that aspiring writers from all over the world can have the opportunity to have the next best thing: a good, well-designed and interesting online course, presented by a world-famous author, and available at a very reasonable price. Online learning can be extremely effective, as I discovered when, prior to a visit to Russia three years ago, I took an online language course called Russian Accelerator, which turned out to be the best language course I’d ever taken. In a few months, I went from just being able to say hello and goodbye to being able to hold all kinds of basic conversations, read street and other signs, and write small anecdotes and stories–becoming proficient to the extent that I was the spokesperson for our family group in Moscow! That course also worked through videos, audios and written exercises, and like this one, was self-directed, and worked through at your own pace–though there was more ‘real’ interactivity in that I could send recordings back to my tutor, and be sure to have them marked and commented on. Of course the success of language learning can be measured, as it were; the fact I could get by well in non-English speaking Moscow being that measurable result.

In arts learning, particularly in writing, results are more difficult to measure, at least immediately. The effect builds up over time, as aspiring writers grow in confidence and knowledge and become more experienced. And the way James Patterson’s Masterclass course has been designed and structured shows that a great deal of thought has been put into giving the best possible opportunity to students, within the limits imposed by the combination of online delivery and the impossibility of giving personal feedback to every student. And technically, as I mentioned earlier, the experience is first-class: the website is easy to access, navigate and use; the course elements are clearly delineated, and the workbook downloads easily. As well, it’s very easy, if you want, to join in discussion on the student boards after each video, and to create video or written questions which are then submitted for possible selection by James Patterson. (I have no idea though how selections are made). And once you’ve paid, you have ‘lifetime access’ to the course, so that even after you’ve finished it, you can revisit it as often as you like.

So all in all, would I recommend this course to aspiring authors? The short answer is yes. The long answer is that as long as you don’t expect the brush against major writing fame to turn you into a best-seller too, then you will not only find much useful information in this course, you will also have a lot of fun.

Over to you: I first posted this on my personal writing blog, Feathers of the Firebird, but after consulting with our wonderful WU directors, decided it was of enough interest to readers here to reblog. I would love to hear from readers whether any of you have also taken this course, or whether you’re intending to–and what you think of the concept generally.

Wish you could buy this author a cup of joe?

Sophie Masson has published more than fifty novels internationally since 1990, mainly for children and young adults. A bilingual French and English speaker, raised mostly in Australia, she has a master’s degree in French and English literature. Sophie's new e-book on authorship, By the Book: Tips of the Trade for Writers, is available at Australian Society of Authors.

Comments

Sophie–
Hats off to you for not only providing a “fair and balanced” review of Patterson’s program for writers, but for offering it at the moment the Patterson publicity machine puts on the full-court press to merchandize this new product. It’s good to have a reliable and objective source of information.
You prudently caution those who aspire to best-sellerdom that no how-to manual, with workbook, exercises, videos and interactive website should be viewed as a magic formula for success. That’s because, all else being equal, it’s the details that set a really good book apart from the rest. The only way to get better at writing unique detail is to read and absorb by osmosis lots of good books, and to develop a habit of refusing to settle for writing clichés in one’s own work.
The thing is this: let’s assume the Patterson Masterclass program really does work, and that it will help lots of people to write more commercially viable novels. The marketplace is not going to expand to make room for more product. The reading public is not likely to read more books because of it. That means we’re still where we are, especially in terms of self-published work: with about 4,500 new titles being released each day on Amazon.
Check the “look inside” feature there–or Ray Rhamey’s “Flog a Pro” feature at Writer Unboxed, and you quickly realize that marketing is almost certainly more important to sales numbers than is craft. I think that caution, along with your thoughtful analysis is worth keeping in mind.

Thanks very much, Barry, really appreciate your comments. And I think you and Ray are absolutely right–marketing trumps craft nearly every time as far as sales are concerned. Though of course in an ideal situation both can happily coexist..

If this course has the ability to go back and see the videos again for a long time afterward, it would be worth it: it takes many tries through each concept for them to end up sticking.

I taught myself Pixelmator with a wonderful, 5.99 course from the Apple store – and that ability, to go listen again and again to a ten-second piece, was the key. By the end, I had extracted every bit of juice from those 2.5 hours of short videos. Some of the points were not apparent until I had tried them, or watched a different video – but it was almost as if the teacher was always there. Add the limited ability to ask questions (I had a mentor while learning, though she uses Photoshop) plus a lot of internet searches made the whole learning experience very useful.

Learning has changed. It is actually better for Patterson to do a course on basics – you can’t really get good without them.

Thanks for summarizing the course – for something this comprehensive, the price seems quite low – equal to the price of a few good books on writing. Be sure to do all the homework, though, or you will only think you learned something.

There are so many ways to learn to write fiction. As one begins the benefit of structured courses, seems to me, is that it saves time. I also found the plot patterns of genre fiction a helpful safety net under the high wire.

For me the issue later becomes how do you grow when you’ve mastered the basics? How do you write when there’s no net and no plot template for the type of tale you’ve spinning? That’s tougher and that’s why I’m here.

As a novice writer, I decided to take the course. Actually, I was offered the course by a very good friend as I’m broke. ;) Will the course make me a better writer? I think so when it’s all done. Will it help me sell more books? Probably not. I will be going the self-publishing route. So the marketing is up to me. There is a lot of competition out there for readers. I will be another writer trying to draw readers to her books. Patterson can’t help me with that (although I wouldn’t turn down his offer if he choose to do so…ha!) The reason my friend and I decided to take the course was to become better writers. Maybe to learn a few things from someone who is so big in the industry. I think we will accomplish these things. But, from the selling standpoint, it would be unreasonable to think taking these courses will help in that regard. If you go into these lessons with reality in place, you will learn things and be satisfied. If you go into these lessons with the idea that it is a miracle course, then you are headed for disaster and disappointment. So the bottom line I guess is that it is up to the individual what they get out of it.

Thanks for your thoughts, Jackie. As a teacher of writing myself, I’m most interested in the outcome of your learning, and the best way to learn is to put into immediate practice what you’re learning. It sounds as if you’re not yet fully sure what you will learn, and I assume from Sophie’s review that the practice comes from the exercises in the workbook. Do you think those exercises will ensure that what you learn sticks, and that you’ll end up using what you’ve learned in your writing life from here on out? Thanks for your insight!

Your post was interesting as I am presently taking James Patterson’s Writing Masterclass. Mine may not be the typical reason for signing up. Simply put: it was to make a connection back to writing, which is my joy and need.

After writing enough stories to build a cat house, having two books published, and enough ideas (WIPS) to clog a freeway, life went haywire and I couldn’t/didn’t write for two years. I knew I had to get back to writing or lose my mind. (I may be a little too late on that score.)

I admire and read, Mr. Patterson’s works, although I don’t write in that genre, and probably never will. But I was hopeful that being involved, along with other writers, some creaky door would open and I could begin writing again.

I have watched a number of the videos, thought about the homework, silently cheered other students on, and–well, here I am, bleary of eye from writing until two in the morning on one of those unfinished manuscripts.

No, I haven’t finished working on the Masterclass, but I will. For now it is important that some creaky door in my mind opened and words flooded out. Had I found the connection through eagerly following Mr. Patterson’s videos? Who the hell knows! And right now I am beyond analyzing the why’s and wherefores. Although I do believe it played a part. The ninety bucks paid was put to good use. So my thanks to Mr. Patterson and the weird vibes that… Well, enough of that, I have a few more million words to write.

Sophie – thanks for such a balanced and informative report on this course, which piqued my interest when it was first announced.

Within the writing community, a lot of snark gets directed at just about anything Patterson does, but seriously, when the guy who sells more books than ANYBODY talks about writing, I for one am interested in what he has to say.

Like you, I love hearing about how other people work, and I think we always have the capacity to learn more. Thanks again for showing us “behind the curtain” on this intriguing new resource!

Thinking I would skim this long post before digging into Monday’s workload, I became so absorbed in your analysis I kept going until the end! Great critique of Patterson’s class. It was comprehensive and even-handed and should enable anyone contemplating such a course to make a well-informed decision.

One of the most interesting things I ever heard said about writing came from Jim Patterson: “I became a writer when I stopped writing sentences and started writing stories.”

Then I picked up one of his books, and I thought: You know, I kinda miss the sentences.

His success speaks for itself, but I love your refusal to bend when that one student snifflily responded to your candid admission that there is no secret formula. It doesn’t matter who the source is, that truth remains the same, and it’s speaks volumes about the kind of man he is that JP, despite this breathtaking success, has that same humility.

BTW: I just attended CraftFest in NY, and listened to presentations by our fellow WU contributors James Scott Bell and Donald Maass, and they were two of the most enlightening hours of informative guidance I have ever had. (I took a LOT of notes.)

I also met Steven James and am currently devouring his book, STORY TRUMPS STRUCTURE (for which Don wrote the enthusiastic and eminently well-deserved introduction).

I’m co-chair of the Book Passage Mystery Conference next week and have insisted the store stock the work of all three teachers, because I truly believe they represent the most helpful, most interesting, and freshest approachse to the craft of writing around.

I’m not just saying that. I feel fortunate to have met each of them and to have read their work. I’m a better writer and teacher for it.

I am reading Story Trumps Structure right now too, and learning a lot. It is just a rehash of what other books have said, I’m learning some great new material. I have been thinking about Patterson’s master, but although it is a great price, being on a fixed income, it is still more than what I can do, but I may save up and take it. Thanks for your ideas, and Sophie, thanks for a wonderful, thoughtful post.

Thanks for this post, Sophie. Like others, I wondered about the content behind the marketing tidal wave for this course. Your evaluation answers all of my questions! I especially like the way you looked at it from the POV of an aspiring writer and an experienced writer.

I’m still considering this course and your review has given me much to think about. Considering that there is little opportunity for direct criticism, I don’t know that it will provide me much more than any number of books I’ve read (Donald Maass, James Scott Bell, Lawrence Block, and many others), but you’ve made me consider the possibility (probability) that I’m just looking for a crutch that neither Mr. Patterson nor anyone else can be expected to provide.

Thank you so much for writing this. You’ve likely saved me weeks of further procrastination.

In the throes of doubt while working on finishing my second novel, I’ve been on the fence about taking this course on and off. I found joining a writers group has helped propel me forward more than the course probably could. I’m at the point in my book where I need encouragement and feedback more than instruction. I took an advanced workshop with a truly esteemed author while in college; I probably should review those notes.

Exactly the kind of review I was hoping to find. My son and I write and self-publish (not P.O.D.!) a series of chapter books that to date have sold more than 120,000 copies. I was particularly interested in the lesson on working with a co-author and your analysis of that segment has helped me make my decision about the course. Thank you.

Thank you for sharing this insightful review.
A number of years ago I purchased a world famous author’s 10 Rules of Writing. The most interesting part of the book was the illustrations! Since then, I’ve become leery of lessons hawked by renowned authors.
$90.00 US won’t break the bank. When I finish, I’ll let you know if he’s restored my faith.

Thank you for this posting. I finished Patterson’s Master Class a month or so ago. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I was a little disappointed. I have taken several other classes and read many, many craft books. I didn’t really learn anything new. Of course, it was fun to listen to him. He was charming.

I am signing up now for the master class. Writing is a side hobby of mine as I always thought I could write an amazing book due to my imagination. I believe investing in yourself through paid training is the best method to get ahead. $90 is not much to ask to be in front of a hugely successful author offering you his advice.

I’ve been wondering about this class. This was a very thorough and helpful review. It seems like maybe, since I’ve already published a dozen or so books, I wouldn’t learn very much I don’t already know. However, this sounds like an excellent course for new and aspiring writers.

I enjoy writing, but I am not what you would call much of a reader of books. Isn’t that odd? I think so. My writing is more classified as commentary, opinion and my perspective on things in life; both on and off my acquired soapbox. My wife thinks I should take this course. I feel barely qualified to do so. When I “write”, the feedback is positive and generally well received. I’m thinking that my focus should perhaps be more journalistic or opinion based rather than on a “story writing” focus. Is there a difference? Does one lead to the other? I don’t know, but I do know that I feel inspired to share my thoughts and ideas and I am best satisfied when I put it in written form. I’d certainly like to improve my writing skills, as I have had zero education in this area. I guess I’m looking for your input if this course would be beneficial to me or perhaps another direction to head in! Thanks for your thoughts.

Thank you for the feedback. I’m seriously considering the course for myself. I’m a naturally cautious man and I’ve decided to read James Patterson’s novel, Honeymoon first. I believe you can tell a lot, by the way, an author writes as to what to expect. Not so much a judgmental thing as a pre-observational one.

I am contemplating it, but I am too busy writing at the moment. Thank you, Sophie, for this balanced review. I am not sold on classes of any kind making a writer better. I think that reading and writing a lot makes writers better.